Braces for Teens
Prioritizing oral health and gaining confidence in your smile at this early age can go a long way in education, employment, and social life.
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Why the Teen Years?
The teenage years are ideal for orthodontic treatment because most permanent teeth have erupted, but the jaw is still growing. This makes it easier to guide teeth and jaws into proper alignment.
Having a beautiful, healthy, well-functioning smile at this pivotal age can make all the difference for our teenage patients.
Treatment Options
Metal Braces
The classic choice. Today's metal braces are smaller, sleeker, and more comfortable. Customize with colored bands!
Clear/Ceramic Braces
Same great results as metal braces, but with tooth-colored brackets that blend in.
Invisalign Teen
Clear, removable aligners with discreet attachments. If your case lends itself to Invisalign and you are good at sticking to a routine, this can be a great option.
Functional Appliances
For patients needing growth guidance, appliances such as the Herbst or MARA can help the lower jaw and chin develop forward for bite and facial balance.
Common Issues We Treat
- Crowding: Teeth that overlap or are twisted due to lack of space
- Spacing: Gaps between teeth
- Overbite: Upper teeth extend too far over lower teeth
- Underbite: Lower teeth extend past upper teeth
- Crossbite: Upper and lower teeth don't align properly
- Open bite: Teeth don't meet when biting down
- Narrow smile: Underdeveloped smiles can be expanded to make room for teeth and create a broad, beautiful smile.
Life with Braces
We know you have a busy life — school, sports, activities, and friends. Here's what to know:
- Sports: You can play sports with braces. We recommend a mouthguard for contact sports.
- Band/Orchestra: You can still play instruments. There may be a short adjustment period.
- Food: Some foods should be avoided (hard, sticky, chewy), but you'll still enjoy most of your favorites.
- Cleaning: Brushing and flossing take a bit longer, but we'll show you exactly how to do it.
Most teen treatments last 12-24 months, depending on the complexity of your case.
You'll visit us on the interval Dr. Graf recommends, often every 4-10 weeks depending on treatment needs. We offer after-school appointments to minimize missed class time.